Tuesday, August 12, 2014

The 3-D's of Victory in Life

 “I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear,
is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted
on the field of battle - victorious .”
– Vince Lombardi
(1911-1970) Coach

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."
- Saint Paul
2 Timothy 2:15 / NASV

We have said it before and now we will say it again: Success is hard work.  There is now short cuts, easy roads or quick paths.  When it comes to achieving our dreams and becoming the people we were created to be, easy is much like fair, it does not exist.

                This does not mean it cannot be achieved or one should not go after it with all that is in them.  The truth is, the easier something is the less we tend to want it.  There is a satisfaction in "winning" the victory rather than it being given to us.  This is where many get lead astray when it come to victories in life.  Victories must always be won, they are never given.

                I believe there are three elements of victory that must always be present for us to be on top in the battle of life.  When we understand these three D's, as I call them, we will win our battles, both personal and in life.

D #1. Discipline
                Discipline is a word that we often connect with being corrected or punished.  In reality, if we learn discipline we will not need to be corrected or punished, we will be in a state of victory.  The disciplined person is one who has control over his/her body, mind and spirit.  This does not mean they are perfect and never make a mistake; but when they do, they learn from them and take responsibility for them.  Discipline means you will do what you need to do, when you need to do it and not back away or procrastinate.  As author and speaker Jim Rohn would say, "Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment."

D #2.  Dependence
                I know that many success-minded people like to think of themselves as independent.  That is true and we all should be able to be on our own.  Dependence is not bad, it is all a matter who you are dependent on.  For the believer in Christ Jesus, we learn that we truly can do nothing without Him.  Coaching is a task filled with responsibility and pressure.  never to be taken lightly.  We are in some cases holding the destiny of others in our hands.  I could not do this on my own.  I have not the wisdom, intelligence or character qualities for something this great.  I must put myself in the hands of an all powerful, all knowing God and look to Him for the guidance I need.  Only by being totally dependent on a kind and loving God can we ever hope to live in victory and lead others down the same path.

D #3.  Determination
                The battles of life will not one day just vanish away.  We fight this battle for victory all the days of our life.  Therefore, the one who will be victorious is the one who has decided to never give up and never compromise.  This does not mean there will not be days when you just want to quit.  It means you won't.  This does not mean you will not consider compromising what you know is right for what you think is easy.  It means you will stand firm.  Our commitment to follow the Lord is forever, not for a time.

                You matter to the world.  You are here to make a difference and that difference is good.  Remember the qualities of a real success-minded person: Be your best.  Love God.  Have good manners. Discover the unknown.  Change the world.


John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, and Life Coach. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

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